'Moscow rules: what drives Russia to confront the West', by Keir Giles

Keir Giles’s new book, 'Moscow rules: what drives Russia to confront the West' (Brookings Institution Press, 2019), promises readers that it will demystify Russia, its leaders and its actions. The book explores Russian history from imperial times to the present and, in doing so, provides context for how Russia interacts with the West. A more nuanced understanding of Russia along with a recognition that its core values are different will, as the author suggests, pave the way for a more productive and cooperative relationship with the West.

The book is divided into four parts, each of which assesses key aspects of Russia’s history, political system, economy and civil society and examines how these influence perceptions both inside and outside the country. The importance of power, prestige and influence in Russia is discussed, as are security and the complex but important role of religion within Russian society. Giles also explores the concepts of truth and untruth, and their role in misinformation, contemporary politics and the interpretation of history. Perhaps of most interest is Part IV - Prospects for Change, which takes a cautious approach to the hopes often pinned on younger generations, media and the opposition. Moscow Rules is part of a growing body of literature which seeks to examine conflict between Russia and the West, and it reflects a strong desire to understand behaviour, perceptions, actions and policy. This book will certainly be of interest to anyone working in external relations, as well as to anyone with a general interest in Russia.

Keir Giles is a senior consulting fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House in London, and he also leads the Conflict Studies Research Centre. He has published extensively on Russia, particularly in the areas of cyber and information security, military transformation in Russia and Russian foreign and domestic security policy. 'Moscow rules: what drives Russia to confront the West' is available through the Council Library in a convenient e-book format. To access e-books, Council staff and EU Member State delegates can simply create an account on our platform EbookCentral in the Council network or teleworking environment. Once you have created your account, you can access e-books anywhere, anytime, from any device. Interested in reading more about Russia? Find out what else the Library has in its collection on Eureka.

This book review does not necessarily represent the positions, policies or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.

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